Open Enrollment
Extended Hours

Nevada Insurance Enrollment logo - Nevada State outline divided into four colors of dark blue, light blue, orange and yellow

What Does the Term Betterment Mean in Auto Insurance?

by | May 7, 2015

Nevada Insurance Enrollment Explains Betterment

After an accident, it‘s the auto insurance company’s job to pay for any repairs that are necessary for getting your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. But what happens if a tire has pre-existing tread and is damaged during the accident? This would be considered betterment. Which is the enhanced value of real property arising from local improvements.

For safety reasons, your auto insurance company cannot put a used tire on your car. They would, in this case, pay for a new tire to be put on your vehicle. Now your vehicle is in better condition than it was and has a higher market value than it did prior to the accident. See the problem?

Call for FREE Help
(702) 898-0554

↑ click to call ↑

Nevada Insurance Enrollment logo - Nevada State outline divided into four colors of dark blue, light blue, orange and yellowPin

Because the insurance company is paying to improve the condition of your vehicle – a service that goes beyond what the monthly insurance premium covers – you will likely be required to pay for betterment. For example, if your damaged tire had 40 percent of tread remaining, then the insurance company may only pay 40 percent of the cost of a new tire, and you would pay the remaining 60 percent. This happens whether or not you are the at-fault party in the accident. Which means that even if you’re not the one responsible for the accident, you may still be required to pay for betterment on certain parts, such as your transmission, engine block, or any other part that improves the condition or resale value of your vehicle.​

 

Getting Auto Coverage With Nevada Insurance Enrollment

Want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities if you’re in an accident? At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, your auto insurance agent can help you review your policy and make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Quote and or EnrollPin
Automobile Rental Insurance When Renting A CarPin

Automobile Rental Insurance When Renting A Car

Most drivers who have an auto insurance policy with collision and comprehensive coverage, decent health insurance, and homeowners or renters’ insurance can save their money by foregoing additional rental coverage.

Automobile Rental Insurance When Renting A CarPin

The Tow Truck Damaged My Vehicle After An Accident

This also applies to damage that occurs after the accident. While you may consider the damage from the accident and the damage from the tow truck to be all one incident, your insurer will view it differently.

Automobile Rental Insurance When Renting A CarPin

A Friend Wrecked My Car, What Happens Next?

If your friend was hit by an insured driver, the process will be simple enough. The at-fault driver will file a claim with their insurance company, who will pay to get your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. If the collision was bad enough to cause an injury, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance could also cover medical bills, lost wages and any other expenses associated with the accident.

Share this page...